Nicolás Maduro Appears in Manhattan Federal Court Facing Narco‑Terrorism Charges After Saturday Capture
Updated (3 articles)
Saturday Capture and Immediate Transfer to New York Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were seized in a coordinated early‑Saturday raid on a Caracas military base and escorted out of Venezuela by U.S. federal agents [1][2][3]. The pair were flown to New York, landing late Saturday afternoon, and were placed under federal custody pending legal proceedings [1][2]. Videos released by U.S. authorities show the couple being escorted, confirming the operation’s success [3].
Four‑Count Indictment Accuses Maduro and Wife of Cocaine Conspiracy The Justice Department unsealed a four‑count indictment on Saturday, charging Maduro and Flores with narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and firearms‑related offenses [3]. The indictment portrays the Maduro regime as a corrupt, illegitimate government sustained by a massive cocaine trafficking network that flooded the United States [1][2]. It adds new allegations against Flores and several associates, expanding on the 2020 Manhattan filing [3].
Monday Manhattan Appearance Scheduled, Detention Expected in Brooklyn Both U.S. officials and Maduro’s legal team confirm the former president’s first court appearance is set for Monday, January 5, in Manhattan’s federal district court [1][2][3]. Prosecutors say he will be held in a federal detention facility in Brooklyn while the case proceeds [3]. Maduro’s attorneys plan to argue sovereign immunity, contending that as a head of state he cannot be prosecuted by a foreign court [1][2].
Venezuelan Officials Decry Kidnapping; U.S. Legal Debate Over Sovereign Immunity Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López publicly demanded Maduro’s release, labeling the operation an imperialist kidnapping and pledging to maintain internal order [1][2]. The U.S. has not recognized Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, a stance echoed by both WBNS and King5 [1][2]. Legal scholars raise constitutional concerns about the Trump‑ordered raid, noting the lack of congressional authorization, a point not mentioned in the AP report [1][2].
Sources
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1.
WBNS: Maduro to Appear in U.S. Court on Narco‑Terrorism Charges After Capture: Details the Saturday capture, Trump‑ordered operation, constitutional questions, and Venezuelan leaders’ demand for release.
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2.
King5: Maduro Set to Appear in U.S. Court on Narco‑Terrorism Charges: Mirrors WBNS but adds a Noriega comparison and stresses U.S. non‑recognition of Maduro.
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3.
AP: DOJ Indicts Maduro in Cocaine‑Fueled Corruption Case After Venezuelan Arrest: Focuses on the four‑count indictment, charge specifics, and expected Brooklyn detention, omitting the Trump operation narrative.
Timeline
2020: The U.S. Department of Justice files its first Manhattan indictment against Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, charging them with narco‑terrorism and cocaine importation, establishing a legal foothold for future U.S. prosecution of the Venezuelan leader. [1]
Late 2025 – early Jan 2026: The United States spends months building up forces in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean and conducts attacks on boats as part of a covert operation aimed at seizing Maduro on drug‑trafficking charges. [2][3]
Jan 3, 2026 (Saturday): U.S. agents capture Maduro and Flores in Caracas, escorting them from a military base; a video later shows Maduro being led by federal agents, signaling the start of his detention. [1][2][3]
Jan 3, 2026 (late afternoon): Maduro and his wife land at a New York airport and are transferred to federal custody, confirming the success of the operation. [2]
Jan 4, 2026: The Justice Department unseals a four‑count indictment accusing Maduro and Flores of narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and firearms offenses, describing their regime as a corrupt, illegitimate government sustained by a massive cocaine pipeline to the United States. [1][2][3]
Jan 5, 2026 (Monday): Maduro is scheduled to make his first appearance before a Manhattan federal judge; his lawyers plan to invoke sovereign immunity, while authorities say he will be detained at a Brooklyn federal jail pending trial. [1][2][3]
Jan 5, 2026 onward: Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez declares, “Maduro is the rightful leader; we demand his release,” and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López states, “The armed forces reject this kidnapping and will maintain internal order,” underscoring Caracas’s refusal to recognize the U.S. action. [2][3]
2026‑2027 (future): U.S. prosecutors aim to secure a conviction in New York, with trial proceedings expected after the initial appearance, potentially setting a precedent for holding foreign heads of state accountable under U.S. law. [1]
External resources (1 links)
- https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1422326/dl (cited 1 times)